The Joy of Consideration

Rebecca is a single mom on a limited income. She works two jobs, takes care of her parents, and offers a helping hand to anyone in need. On any given week, she’ll have cooked several meals for people, babysat for other mothers, and driven friends to the doctors.

I asked her why she did so much. With a smile that reached her ears, she told me it brought her great joy and actually refreshed her. Wow! Rebecca reminds me of the way King David talked about helping others.

In Psalm 41:1b, David wrote: “Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor!” (NLT) He encouraged us to remember those who are less fortunate. The word kind is the Hebrew word sakal, which is translated to considers. It means to have insight, to give attention to, or ponder. The word poor is the Hebrew word dal, which means weak, low, depressed, least, needy.

Many of us struggle at different times in our lives, whether emotionally, physically, spiritually, or financially. We’ve all felt weak, low, depressed, or like the least and in need. In those dark times, receiving help, support, and care is a gift. In the same vein, giving help, support, and care for others in their difficult seasons is also a gift.

God rewards those who follow His instructions. He blesses those who consider the needy. The list of blessings is quite impressive, but of course our God is quite an impressive God. According to Scripture, those who regard the poor will be:

• Rescued in times of trouble
• Protected
• Prosperous
• Rescued from their enemies
• Nursed when sick and restored to health

What an amazing list of blessings! We can also add joy to that list. So, how do we receive these great gifts? Well, we don’t have to look far to find someone weak, low, depressed, or in need. Ask God to show you who to help and how to consider their needs.

Perhaps you and a friend can provide lunch for the woman holding a “Will work for food” sign. You could commit to rolling your elderly neighbor’s trash bins to the curb each week and join her for a cup of tea and conversation afterwards. Or you can babysit for a mom of a toddler for the evening.

Each morning when you wake up, seek the Lord for whom He might have you consider—and look for His sweet blessings in return.